There are three airports in Sardinia: Mario Mameli Airport in Cagliari, usually referred to as Cagliari Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in Olbia, and the Riviera del Corallo International Airport in Alghero. International and domestic flights depart and arrive from these three airports, so it’s good to know where to fly to plan your trip to Sardinia.
I am a local and regularly fly in and out of Sardinia and use all Sardinian airports. In this post, I will explain everything in a bit more detail, but here’s a quick summary:
In general, Cagliari Airport is the most suitable if you have planned a vacation in the southern part of the island. It is connected to the city of Cagliari via a train station, located close to the passenger terminal. This is the main Ryanair Airport in Sardinia.
Olbia Airport is the best for vacations in the northeastern part of Sardinia. It is served by some budget airlines (including some seasonal Ryanair flights) and, as of May 2026, there will be nonstop flights to JFK New York.
Alghero Airport is convenient to fly to for a vacation in the northwestern or central part of Sardinia. It is served by budget flights connecting it to the rest of Italy and Europe, as well as regular airlines.
For more information about the various airports in Sardinia, continue reading my guide.
My post, How To Get To Sardinia, shares all the best options to travel to the island.
Quick Overview of Airports In Sardinia Italy
No time to read the entire post? Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
- Sardinia has 3 main airports: Cagliari Elmas (CAG) in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) in the north-east, and Alghero Fertilia – Riviera del Corallo (AHO) in the north-west.
- Best for south Sardinia (Cagliari, Chia, Villasimius): fly into Cagliari (CAG).
- Best for Emerald Coast, San Teodoro, La Maddalena: fly into Olbia (OLB).
- Best for Alghero, Stintino/La Pelosa, Bosa, NW coast: fly into Alghero (AHO).
- All three airports for Sardinia have car hire, taxis, and private transfers; Cagliari also has a train station right outside the terminal.
- From May 2026, there will be a direct Delta flight from New York (JFK) to Olbia (OLB) in summer, in addition to many other European connections.
Which Airports In Sardinia Should You Fly To?
| Airport | Code | Where it is | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari Elmas | CAG | South Sardinia, near Cagliari | Cagliari, Pula, Chia, Villasimius, south-coast itineraries | Biggest airport, best all-year connections, train to the city, lots of low-cost routes | Longer drive to north/east (3–4 hours) |
| Olbia Costa Smeralda | OLB | Olbia, North-east Sardinia | Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Budoni, La Maddalena, Gallura | Closest to many famous beaches/resorts; lots of summer flights | Fewer budget options off-season |
| Alghero Fertilia – Riviera del Corallo | AHO | North-west Sardinia | Alghero, Stintino/La Pelosa, Bosa, Sassari, North-west itineraries | Great for NW & central-north; good mix of regular & low-cost flights | Smallest airport; fewer direct routes than CAG/OLB |
Cagliari Mario Mameli Airport (CAG)
This is Sardinia’s main airport, from which many domestic and international flights land and take off. Cagliari Airport is modern and equipped with many services. It’s roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) from the center of Cagliari.
It is the most convenient airport in Sardinia to fly into for a stay in the capital city and to visit the south of Sardinia.
Given the large number of flights that connect it to Rome and Milan, Cagliari Airport often proves to be the best choice among the airports in Sardinia for those flying from abroad.
The airport has year-round connections to various cities in Italy and Europe with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. There are also seasonal direct connections to London, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam with regular carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM).
How many terminals does CAG have?
Cagliari Airport has only one terminal, divided in three floors. On the ground floor, you can find the arrivals, with stores including a grocery store, cafés, info points, and vending machines where you can buy your train ticket to Cagliari. It’s where you will also find some car rental offices.
On the second floor, you will find the departures area, with check-in desks, security checks, and access to the gates for boarding. This is where most airlines will also have their ticket offices.
The administrative offices are located on the second floor, as well as the lost and found.
Services at Cagliari Airport
Cagliari Airport has several useful services. Here’s a quick overview:
- Free Wi-Fi network.
- Lost and Found office – open to the public from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
- Airport VIP lounge with food, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, magazines and newspapers, as well as satellite TV. The lounge is accessible only by passengers of certain airlines, those that have a lounge pass, or by paying an entrance fee.
- Fast track for security – You can get a year-long pass, or buy a ticket for €5 at the vending machine before you enter the security gates.
- Restaurants and stores – both before and after the security checks.
- Library, by the check-in counters, and bookstore by the departure gates.
- Emergency Room – on the ground floor, open every day, 24 hours a day.
- Pharmacy.
- Free drinking water fountain (one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, in the departures area).
- Car rental.
- Grocery store – just outside arrivals.
How to get from Cagliari Airport to Cagliari
Cagliari Airport is roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center and very well connected to it.
Here’s how to get to Cagliari from the airport:
Car – After renting a car in Cagliari Airport, just take the SS130 from the airport to get to Cagliari’s city center in about ten minutes.
Train – Cagliari Elmas train station is located outside the passenger terminal; it’s easy to walk to. There are regular trains to downtown Cagliari, departing every few minutes. The journey takes less than 10 minutes. It’s the most budget-friendly way to reach the city center.
Private transfer – If you are traveling with family and friends and have lots of luggage, you can book a private transfer to take you to your accommodation. The best booking site is Welcome Pickups – it’s what I use anywhere in the world.
Bus – There are buses from Cagliari Airport to the city center, but they depart less frequently than the train, so I recommend opting for the train.
Taxi – Taxis are always available right outside the arrivals terminal. The price for a ride from the airport to the center is fixed, and it’s €20. Prices increase for night rides.
My post, How To Get From The Airport To Cagliari City Center, shares even more detailed information.
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is the best airport in Sardinia if you want to visit northeastern Sardinia and places such as San Teodoro, Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Cannigione, Arzachena, and the Gallura Region, and La Maddalena Archipelago.
This airport has regular connections to Rome and Milan, and direct flights to many other cities in Italy and Europe (such as Paris, Nice, and Amsterdam) via regular and budget airlines.
Good to know: As of May 2026, Delta Airlines will be operating a direct flight from New York JFK to Olbia Costa Smeralda.
How many terminals does OLB have?
Olbia Airport has two terminals for regular passengers and a terminal for private flights.
The airport is divided into two floors. The check-in counters and the boarding gates are on the ground floor, while the second floor hosts a small museum, where there are often events and exhibits – a good way to pass some time while waiting for your flight.
Services at Olbia Airport
Despite its small size, Olbia Airport has several useful services for passengers. Here’s a quick overview:
- Luxury stores, to keep in line with its reputation as the main hub of the Emerald Coast (Sardinia’s top luxury destination).
- A bookstore.
- A pharmacy
- Info Point for tourists.
- Several cafés and restaurants where you can have a meal before departing.
- Baggage storage in the arrivals area – fees depend on the type of baggage you need to store.
- Lost and Found office – open daily from 8:00 am until the last flight of the day.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Club Lounge – available only to passengers of certain airlines, or by purchasing an online access.
- Fast Track service, for faster access to the boarding area via security.
- Car rental.
How to get from Olbia Airport to Olbia
The airport is only 4 km (2.5 miles) from the center of Olbia, so it only takes a few minutes by car to reach the city.
Here’s how to get to Olbia from the airport:
Bus – Olbia Airport is connected to the city by two city buses: line 2 and line 10. Buses run from morning until evening, every 20 minutes during the day and every 40 minutes after 8:00 pm.
Taxi – You will find taxis outside the arrivals terminal. They operate by the meter.
Private transfer – Private transfers are an easy and reliable way of getting from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to your final destination, in case you don’t want to rent a car in Olbia Airport or prefer not using public transport. The best booking site is Welcome Pickups.
Good to know: The fastest way to get to the Emerald Coast from Olbia Airport is by car. Once you pick up your car rental, follow SS 125 until you reach SP 94 to Porto Cervo.
For more detailed information, read my post How To Get From The Airport To Olbia.
I also have a post on How To Get From Cagliari To Olbia.
Riviera del Corallo International Airport (AHO)
The smallest airport in Sardinia, Riviera del Corallo International Airport in Alghero Airport was designed specifically to facilitate tourists’ visits to the Riviera del Corallo area, from which the airport takes its name.
It is located in a more central location than Olbia Airport, so it is a good airport to fly to in case you want to spend your holidays in central Sardinia or on the northwestern coast.
Alghero is the best airport to fly into if you wish to visit Alghero, explore the small towns of the northwest, such as Bosa or Castelsardo, visit La Pelosa Beach in Stintino, or explore Asinara Island. It’s a good airport to fly into if you with to visit Oristano for the Sartiglia festival, or Sassari for the Cavalcata Sarda celebrations.
Alghero is connected to Rome and Milan via regular airlines, and to several cities in Italy and Europe with flights operated by budget airlines. It’s one of Ryanair’s hubs in Sardinia.
How many terminals does AHO have?
Alghero Airport is the smallest airport in Sardinia, and it has only one terminal for departures and arrivals. There are 18 check-in desks and 8 boarding gates. Yes, it is really small, and it’s impossible to get lost there!
Services at Alghero Airport
Being a small airport, Alghero Airport does not have the same services as Cagliari or Olbia airports. These are the main services you can find at Alghero Airport:
- Info Point for tourists.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Lost and Found office.
- Pharmacy.
- Souvenir shops.
- Cafés and restaurants.
- Emergency Room.
- Free drinking water fountain.
- Car rental.
How to get from Alghero Airport to Alghero
The airport is less than 11 km (less than 7 miles) from the city of Alghero.
Here’s how to get to Alghero from the airport:
Car – Once you rent your car in Alghero Airport, it will take you around 20 minutes along State Road SS91 or SP44 to get to the city center.
Bus – There are regular buses (Linea Alfa, Bus n. 9312 and 714) from the airport to the center of Alghero. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
Taxi – Taxis from the airport to the center of Alghero run by the meter. You will find taxis parked outside the arrivals area.
Private transfer – Private transfers are a great alternative to taxis to travel to the city center or to Alghero’s surroundings from Alghero Fertilia Airport, especially if you can share the costs and have lots of luggage. The best booking site is Welcome Pickups.
Check out my post How To Get From The Airport To Alghero for more details on how to travel from the airport to the city.
I also have a Guide on How To Get From Cagliari To Alghero and one on How To Get From Alghero To Olbia.
Other Airports In Sardinia Italy
You may come across Oristano-Fenosu and Tortolì listed among the Sardinian airports on Wikipedia or on older sites.
These are not used for regular commercial flights at the time of writing. For almost all travellers, the only airports you can actually fly into are Cagliari (CAG), Olbia (OLB), and Alghero (AHO).
Airports In Sardinia Map
To help you locate the various airports in Sardinia Italy, I have created a simple map. Use it to locate your final destination and get a sense of how far it is from each airport in Sardinia. It will help you decide where to fly into.
How to use this Sardinian airports map: This map points out the three airports of Sardinia where you can fly into. Use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone, if you wish to enlarge it. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen
Typical Drive Times from Sardinia’s Airports
Curious to see how long it’d take you to drive from the airport where you are landing to your destination in Sardinia? Here’s a quick overview.
| Destination | From Cagliari Airport (CAG) | From Olbia Airport (OLB) | From Alghero Airport (AHO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chia | ~1 hr | ~3 hr 45 | ~3 hr 20 min |
| Villasimius | ~1 hr 10 min | ~4 hr | ~3 hr 40 min |
| Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo area) | ~3 hr 20 min | ~30–40 min | ~2 hr |
| Santa Maria Navarrese / Cala Gonone (Gulf of Orosei) | ~2 hr 15 min / ~2 hr 45 min | ~2 hr 15 min / ~1 hr 30 min | ~3 hr / ~2 hr 15 min |
| Alghero (city) | ~2 hr 45 min | ~1 hr 30 min | — (20 min) |
| Stintino / La Pelosa | ~3 hr | ~1 hr 40 min | ~50 min |
| Bosa | ~2 hr | ~1 hr 40 min | ~1 hr 15 min |
Good to know: The times indicated assume normal traffic; traffic on summer weekends can be slower. Keep in mind that the coastal roads near the Gulf of Orosei and Bosa are scenic but winding, so allow extra time.
FAQs on Airports In Sardinia
There are 3 airports in Sardinia Italy; 2 are located in the north of the island, and 1 in the south:
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) – Northeastern Sardinia.
Alghero-Fertilia “Riviera del Corallo” Airport (AHO) – Northwestern Sardinia.
Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) – South.
It depends on what you want to get out of your trip to Sardinia.
If you’re staying in the south (Cagliari, Pula, Chia, Villasimius), fly into Cagliari.
If you’re staying in the north-east (Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, La Maddalena), fly into Olbia.
For the north-west (Alghero, Stintino, Bosa), Alghero may be even more convenient
Still unsure where to fly? Cagliari is a better destination if you wish to go sightseeing, visit museums, and check out historical landmarks. It is a great base to attend local events and festivals. From Cagliari, you can easily reach gorgeous summer holiday destinations such as Villasimius, Costa Rei, or Chia.
Olbia is the getaway to the Emerald Coast – definitely not a place to travel to if you are looking to visit Sardinia on a budget. While there are some excellent beachfront resorts in the south of Sardinia, the northeast of Sardinia has a wider selection of luxury hotels or even boutique hotels.
Ryanair flies to all Sardinian airports – Cagliari Elmas, Alghero Fertilia “Riviera del Corallo,” and Olbia Costa Smeralda. There are seasonal routes to and from various European airports.
There isn’t one “best” airport in Sardinia – the best one is simply the closest to where you’re staying. In general: Cagliari for the south, Olbia for the north-east & Costa Smeralda, Alghero for the north-west.
Cagliari Airport is easy to access from most places in Sardinia and ideal to fly into if you wish to explore the south of the island. From Cagliari Airport, you can also easily reach Santa Maria Navarrese, an excellent access point to the Baunei Coast.
You should fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda if you wish to explore the Emerald Coast, the Gallura Region, La Maddalena Archipelago, or San Teodoro. From there, you can drive to Orosei or Cala Gonone, good places for boat tours of the Baunei Coast.
If you fly into Alghero Fertilia, you can easily access beaches like La Pelosa in Stintino, or explore Asinara Island, one of Sardinia’s national parks. It’s also a great base to visit some of the prettiest coastal towns of Sardinia, such as Bosa or Castelsardo.
Final Considerations
If you are still wondering which is the best airport for Sardinia, let me stress once again that the island has three airports. You can land at Cagliari Airport, Olbia Airport, Alghero Airport, depending on where your trip is taking you.
Each airport in Sardinia will allow you to visit gorgeous cities, explore unique landscapes, see incredible beaches, and try delicious Sardinian cuisine. So book your flight with confidence, as I am sure you will have an incredible time.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
For more information on how to travel to Sardinia, read the following posts:
- Best Ferry Routes To Sardinia
- Best Flights From London To Sardinia
- Best Flights From Amsterdam To Sardinia
- How To Get From Rome To Sardinia
- How To Get From Naples To Sardinia
- How To Get From Corsica To Sardinia
- How To Get From Sardinia To Corsica
- How To Get From Barcelona To Sardinia
- How To Get From Venice To Sardinia
- How To Get From Florence To Sardinia
- How To Get From Milan To Sardinia
- How To Get From Sicily To Sardinia
- How To Get From Dublin To Sardinia
- How To Get From Paris To Sardinia
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Best airport for the amazing beaches